[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Dussehra, known as Vijayadashami, is one of India’s most auspicious and crucial Hindu holidays. Dussehra, observed on the 10th day of the month of Ashvin according to the Hindu lunar calendar, is a celebration in India that transcends caste, creed, religion, and location. This celebration commemorates the triumph of good over evil and is a reminder that truth and justice will always triumph over deception and iniquity. RozgarKhoj brings you a blog on Dussehra. We will discuss this festival’s history, prestige and other things. Let’s dive right into this informative blog on Dussehra![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
History
Since ancient times, India has observed the Dussehra holiday. According to Hindu legend, Lord Rama conquered and killed the ten-headed demon king Ravana on this day after a protracted struggle. Ravana abducted Rama’s wife, Sita, to Lanka. The epic Ramayana contains the complete story of Rama’s victory over Ravana. Dussehra commemorates Durga’s defeat of the buffalo monster Mahishasura following a nine-day struggle, as described in the Devi Mahatmya.
The event commemorates the Pandavas’ triumph over the Kauravas in the Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra conflict. Dussehra came to signify the triumph of virtue and good over evil forces over time. As a result, the holiday associates with Hindu ideas of morality, ethical values, and good behaviour. Dussehra represents the triumph of truth and dharma over deceit and adharma.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Significance
Dussehra is an important festival for Hindus throughout India. The event reinforces the Hindu idea that truth and morality will always triumph over deception and evil. It teaches people to live their lives with dharma and ethical standards. Dussehra empowers people to develop inner strength and fortitude to overcome adversity, much like Lord Rama did when he fought Ravana. People get together to celebrate with zeal, which creates a communal spirit. As a result, Dussehra has great social, cultural, and religious significance.
Date and Muhurta
Dussehra happens on the Dashami tithi (10th date) of the Shukla Paksha (bright fortnight) in the month of Ashwin, according to the Hindu calendar. This year, the Dashami tithi begins on Monday, October 23, at 5:44 pm and concludes on Tuesday, October 24, at 3:14 pm. The auspicious Vijay Muhurat timing on October 23 is 1:58 pm to 2:43 pm, lasting 45 minutes. The best time to perform Aparahna puja rituals on Dussehra is between 1:13 pm and 3:28 pm, for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Rituals
The festival involves detailed rituals and celebrations. These include the following.
Melas and Fairs
During Dussehra, big-scale melas and fairs are there across India, and people come in enormous numbers to enjoy the holiday. During these fairs, shops selling toys, candy, and idols do brisk business.
Effigies For Burning
On the day of Dussehra, gigantic effigies of Ravana, Meghnad, and Kumbhakaran are burned throughout Northern India to symbolise the triumph of good over evil. People assemble to watch the ritual burning with much pomp.
Ramlilas
Ramlilas, or plays and dance dramas based on the Ramayana epic, are performed over the course of nine days, concluding in Dussehra. These performances describe Lord Rama’s life from birth until his victory over Ravana. Ramlilas bring the epic story to life with costumes, language, and staging.
Durga Puja
Before Dussehra, some devotees perform Durga Puja for nine days and chant mantras to seek blessings from the Goddess. During this time, they fast and give offerings to Durga idols. It culminates on the tenth day, Dussehra.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2845″ img_size=”900*600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Celebrations in Different States
People celebrate Dussehra all over India, but the festivities take unique regional forms.
Uttar Pradesh
Dussehra celebrations in Uttar Pradesh focus on massive Ramleelas in places like Varanasi, Lucknow, and Ayodhya. Processions carry elaborately adorned tableaux depicting scenes and characters from the Ramayana. On the night of Vijayadashami, people congregate on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, Lord Rama’s birthplace.
Gujarat
Dussehra is on the same day as Garba dance festivities in Gujarat. People burn Ravana effigies in cities across the state, particularly in Ahmedabad. People dress in traditional attire, perform Garba dances, and feast on festive dishes and sweets to celebrate the occasion. During the nine nights of Navratri leading up to Dussehra, the joyful spirit is obvious.
West Bengal
In West Bengal, Dussehra celebrations take a back place to the primary event, Durga Puja. Huge pandals are built around Kolkata and other parts of the state to house idols of Goddess Durga for five days. Extensive cultural activities, prayers, food offerings, and pandal-hopping are all part of the Puja.
Karnataka
The world-famous Mysore Dussehra celebrations are a big draw in Karnataka. The Mysore Palace iilluminates, and there is a grand procession of decked elephants and horses. Locals also celebrate ‘Bombe Habba’ by decorating their homes with dolls. On Vijayadashami, a special twilight Durga Puja is there.
Maharashtra
Dussehra celebrations in Maharashtra coincide with the Lok Utsav folk festival. Across the state, effigies of Ravana are set ablaze in cities and towns. As part of the Navratri celebrations, Dandiya Raas puts on spirited performances for nine nights. People exchange sweets and gifts with family and friends.
Tamil Nadu
On Dussehra, residents in Tamil Nadu create innovative Bommai Kolu exhibitions in their living rooms by arranging steps and tiers of dolls. On this day, temples such as Madurai Meenakshi Amman hold elaborate pujas and processions. Ayudha Puja is a significant ritual for tools, cars, equipment, and machinery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Celebrations on Dussehra
People celebrate Dussehra in various ways. Let’s understand them
Fire Pujas and Rituals
On Dussehra, believers rise early to perform pooja at temples or personal shrines. Many people also practise havan and fire rituals, which involve making offerings to the sacred fire. People perform these rites to honour Goddess Durga, Lord Rama, and Lakshmi. People recite special prayers to honour the triumph of good over evil.
Family Get-togethers
Dussehra is a time for family gatherings and reunions. People visit their loved ones, exchanging sweets, gifts, and well wishes. On this auspicious occasion, elders bless the younger members of the family. Families create special dinners and organise feasts.
Flying a Kite
Flying kites is a famous Dussehra practice in many parts of India. People assemble on terraces and lawns to fly various coloured and sized kites. Kite fights are also common as people try to cut one other’s kite strings. It contributes to the celebratory atmosphere of the day.
Cultural Displays
On Dussehra, stage performances based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata are there. There are dance and play enactments of Lord Rama’s life, especially his battle with Ravana. The audience sees folk performances, Garba and Dandiya Raas.
Fireworks and Decorations
On Dussehra, houses, temples, and public spaces are decked with flowers, rangolis, and oil lights. As night falls, the skies are lit with magnificent fireworks to commemorate the occasion. In North India, effigies burn as part of the Vijayadashami celebrations.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”2844″ img_size=”900*600″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
Conclusion
Dussehra serves as a reminder that truth and goodness will always triumph over lies and wickedness. It is time to renew our confidence in God and ask for His blessings. May this Dussehra infuse everyone’s life with hope and optimism. RozgaKhoj wishes everyone a very Happy Dussehra.
FAQs
Q1. What is the Shubh Muhurta for Dussehra in 2023?
- Dussehra falls on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. The Dashami tithi begins at 5:44 pm on October 23 and concludes at 3:14 pm on October 24. On Dussehra, the auspicious Vijay Muhurta is between 1:58 pm and 2:43 pm. The best time for Aparahna puja rites is between 1:13 pm and 3:28 pm.
Q2. What is the origin of the Dussehra festival?
- Lord Rama’s victory over the evil king Ravana is the most well-known narrative related to Dussehra. Ravana kidnapped Rama’s wife, Sita, to Lanka, according to the Ramayana. On Dussehra, Rama overcame and killed Ravana after a hard struggle and saved Sita. It was the victory of good against evil.
Q3. How is Dussehra celebrated in different Indian states?
- Dussehra celebrations range across India, with distinct regional influences. People burn Ravana effigies in northern states. Southern states place a greater emphasis on Durga Puja celebrations.
Q4. What are the main rites celebrated during Dussehra?
- Dussehra day rituals include pooja and havan, the burning of Ravana effigies in North India, cultural events such as Ramleela, visiting friends and relatives, sharing sweets and presents, flying kites, and lighting homes with diyas. People also make special dinners and decorate their homes with flowers and rangoli.
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